Kiroyuki's POV
I slowly opened my eyes to the cool sunlight of the North, stretching out my sore back. With a small and quiet yawn, I got up from my comfy bed and looked at my bedside clock.

.

.

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"It's finally today! Today is the day of Mother's birthday and special guest Izana!" I took a small breather of my excitement and flopped onto my bed while rolling around energetically, squealing in pure joy.

'I'm so glad that I actually got close to Izana in one day! Less than a day! I can now address Izana as my older brother! I wonder what siblings do together! Well currently right now, we are teaching each other our knowledge of our kingdoms!'

"Today will be the best day!"

I quickly jumped out of bed and grabbed a towel on my way to the bathroom. I turned on the shower letting the hot water run down my small figure. The water rushed down my sore muscles and the shampoo slowly rinsed down into the drain. I turned the knob of the shower off as steam collided against my face. I exited the shower and grabbed a fuzzy white towel to dry off my body. I grabbed another towel and rubbed it against my long hair to remove as much water I can get. Skipping to my vanity, my ladies-in-waiting knocked onto my door of my chambers.

"Princess, please excuse the intrusion." They slowly opened the door and I energetically greeted them this fine morning.

"Good morning! I went ahead and took a shower already." They nodded their heads and each went to do their parts. One was drying my hair while another went to my wardrobe, and the last one was choosing the different accessories and shoes to wear with my dress.

My hair was finished drying thanks to my lady-in-waiting and they all assembled my outfit for the next few hours until the ball. I slipped on some silky undergarments as they draped on a navy blue dress with long sleeves with white linings about three inches wide. Smoothing out any dents, they placed on a thin gray coat that freely goes over my shoulders. The soft and fluffy texture made it comfortable to wear and they tied the strings together. They placed white fancy boots with small heels in front of me as I carefully placed them onto my feet.

Combing my long hair, they styled it into a high ponytail with a dark blue ribbon that sparkled like stars in the dark midnight sky. They excused themselves and I immediately heaved out a sigh and smiled into the mirror.

'I can't wait! I don't think I can conceal my excitement!' I squirmed around my chair of the vanity and decided to go find Miss Nani to tell her of the great news. Luckily when I exited my chamber, she was already down the halls.

"Miss Nani! Good morning!" I tackled her with a bear hug as she struggled to breathe.

"P-princess...!" I giggled and loosen my grip on Miss Nani as she inhaled sharply for air. She then faced me with a small glare and I couldn't help but chuckle nervously.

"H-hi Miss Nani! How's the preparation so far?" She heaved out a sigh and showed a face of distress.

"It's a pain. It's really tiring and frustrating... But it's worth my time because today is a special day." I nodded my head frantically in agreement and smiled widely.

"Miss Nani guess what?!" She shrugged and I inhaled some air to prepare to explode.

"So yesterday I thought I was gonna blow up meeting Izana because of how nervous I was, but I was so wrong! I ended up telling him how interested I was in Clarines' knowledge on medicine and talented herbalists and he was really impressed! He even said that I was a determined princess! We made a deal with each other saying that he'll tell me more about the types of medicine in Clarines and I will teach him more about battle tactics and some pointers about swordsmanship and such! The best part was that he said that I can address him as my older brother now! I never had an older brother before! I'm so happy!" I squealed in delight and faced Miss Nani after my huge rant. She looked lifeless as if it looked like she were staring off into space.

"Princess... I pretty much just heard you squeal only. You rambled on so much that I lost thought of what happened..." I chuckled nervously and patted her shoulder.

"Miss Nani, have you met Izana yet? You are basically my attendee so I think you should meet him!"

"I'll pass..."

"Ehhhh~~ Why?!" I pouted and she sighed once again while putting her hands in the air.

"I'm too busy. Plus, I think I might kill him if he dares hurt you." She grinned and I pouted even more.

"Miss Nani! Don't kill him please! Let us just go and meet him!"

"Fine. Let's go find his majesty. I'm pretty sure Prince Izana would be with your Father." I nodded my head and we began walking towards my Father's office as our first option. We soon arrived shortly enough and I knocked onto the door, addressing myself and opened the door energetically.

"Good morning Father! O-oh good morning big brother Izana!" I grabbed Miss Nani's arm and pulled her over to the front of my Father's desk. She slightly sigh as my Father chuckled and with Izana smirking in amusement.

"Kiroyuki, why are you dragging an exhausted Miss Nani?" I chuckled nervously and released Miss Nani from my grasp and scratched my head.

"Well~... I kinda wanted Miss Nani to meet brother Izana because I really wanted to see how much of a great brother he can be. Eheh..."

"Sorry for the sudden intrusion of the princess, but it is an honor to meet you, your majesty of Clarines, Prince Izana."

"The pleasures all mine. I do hope that you didn't think that I would treat your princess Kiroyuki poorly as her proclaimed brother." He chuckled a bit, making Miss Nani freeze with an awkward smile.

Miss Nani's POV
"The pleasures all mine. I do hope that you didn't think that I would treat your princess Kiroyuki poorly as her proclaimed brother." He chuckled lightly as I froze at his words.

'Crap.... He's sharp....'

"Ahaha! Certainly not Prince Izana! I just deeply care for the princess as her attendee and guard." Kiroyuki showed sparkles in her eyes and began tearing up.

"Miss N-Nani! I'm so touched!" She wiped some tears from the corner of her eyes as his majesty gave a heartfelt chuckle of laughter.

"Well Miss Nani, I assure you that your princess will be safe." I nodded my head and saw how sincere and serious his violet eyes gleamed.

'I know that I can trust him now...'

"Kiroyuki, now, would you care to teach me more about some battle tactics and weapon pointers? I will also share my half of the deal and teach you about the medicines and herbs the best I can do."

"Y-yes! Father, are you okay with me doing so?" He nodded his head as Izana and the princess left the room as they chatted.

"Your majesty... Tonight's the night isn't it... We really can't do anything to stop it...?"

"I'm afraid not... I just hope that she can smile again after this... But I also trust Izana to watch after my daughter. I have heard of the great people of the castle... Especially a boy of her age there. It would be painful to let go though."
—————

"Woah~! There's really a herb that can heal a fever that fast? That's amazing!" I threw my hands over my head and gleamed with awe.

"I'm no expert of medicine, but I do know enough. If you were to come to Clarines, maybe the herbalists could teach you more than what I can."

"That sounds lovely... Now, shall I share my half of the deal?"

"If you may." 

The chatter of laughter between their shared conversations of their kingdoms lifted the mood around them. Kiroyuki was simply very happy to just talk with someone while getting to know more of the world. But to those in the castle, they knew of tonight in deep sorrow.

Third person POV
It was now time for the ball to begin and Kiroyuki was getting ready. Her ladies-in-waiting dressed her appropriately for her to look dazzling out of everyone at the party. They also had another dress prepared for her entertainment for the guests. Kiroyuki noticed the sadden looks on the ladies, but they denied it and said that they were just sad to see her growing up. It made Kiroyuki a bit confused, but happy that they always thought of her. They soon left after she was finished dressing up.

The gown was a fluffy white coat-like dress with another over shoulder coat with two delicate strings with red cotton balls tying it up. The snowflake lining with gold trimmings blended well as it was on both sleeves and shoulder-off coat. The light blue gems hanging off each pointed tops of the dress' end dazzled with snow-white bell bottom flowers hanging from the waistline of a silky green ribbon. Her hair was put in twin tails with a fabric hairband of snowflakes and two larger bell bottom flowers hanging from each pigtail along with two small leaf-like ornaments.

Kiroyuki's POV
*Knock knock*

"Come in!" I chirped happily as Miss Nani entered. She looked beautiful, but I wished it was a dress that she wore instead.

"Kiroyuki! You look lovely! You're growing up so fast! If only time can reverse itself..." I chuckled in response and walked to Miss Nani as we exited out of my chambers.

'Weird, she rarely calls me that. She calls me by princess.'

"You look really pretty as well Miss Nani! I wish you wore a dress though~!" I pouted childishly, but Miss Nani looked regretful.

"... Miss Nani?" She snapped out of her daze and faced me as we continued walking.

"S-sorry, maybe I should of worn a dress..."

"H-huh! Woah! Miss Nani you might give me a heart attack by saying that so quickly!"

"Let's just get you to the party. Oh, are you excited to sing because I can't wait!"

"Yeah! Now let's go have fun!" We entered the ballroom and my name was announced to the people. It was cheerful and bright, the chandelier beaming down a beautiful glow of gold onto everyone's complexion.

I has the chance to chat with my parents, Miss Nani, Izana, staff members, guards, and the guests of my kingdom! It was lovely and just amazing.

"Princess, it's time for you to dress for the event."

"Okay Miss Nani!" I scurried back to my room and dressed in such beautiful clothing. There were no words to explain this simple, yet beautifully designed outfit.

I replaced the ornaments of my hair and placed new ones. I had then walked back towards the ballroom, but a shadow ran past behind me in the corner of my eye. I whipped my head backwards, but there was nothing to be seen in the moonlight hall.

'Must be my imagination...' I quicken my pace and arrived in the ballroom.

I stepped up onto the small stage as the crowd quieted down.

"Good evening everyone, I princess Kiroyuki of Hyoushou, would like to sing a song to thank you all for coming in special honor of my Mother's birthday!"

Given all the time,
To where I am the world will collide,
To where the stars will shine...
I'll be lost to no where to hide,
But I'll find a way to spread my light.

Through the dark night
I'll be there to lead you through...
I'll be there for you... My star~

The song was soon finished and I exhaled, breathless. Claps and cheers were bestowed upon me. I smiled, happy that the crowd enjoyed my entertained. I began to take a single step towards the direction of my parents.

.

.

The lights went out, frightening me with a sudden shock. I panicked and kept whipping my head left to right hearing the horrifying screams.

Screams and cries echoed in my ears as if their agony was the only keys of a piano. I heard panicked footsteps run around the dark room.

I was frozen in place, not knowing what to do... I was too scared to scream or fall to my knees... I couldn't do anything as the screams got louder. The swords clashing in the ballroom made metallic sparks that illuminated the dim room bit by bit, but died out a few second after.

'W-what's going on?! An invasion?! Am I g-going to di-die?! No-'

"Princess!" I snapped out from my fearful daze when I  heard Miss Nani's voice in vain.

At the same time, the room got a slight bit brighter to where you can barely see the horrendous sight. I gasped in shock and disgust with a grimace.

Intruders dressed in dark black attacked everyone, blood spilling in every direction. Not a single piece of the ballroom was safe from a tragedy. Corpses laid everywhere, but I can't find some beloved people.

'Blood.... Blood... Corpses.... Father! Mother! Where are they?! Where's Izana! Miss Nani-'

"Kiroyuki!" I whipped my head to the side to face an injured Miss Nani with a large gash on her right shoulder. I stood there frozen as the chaos around us was still erupting. Miss Nani rushed to my side and placed down her sword next to herself.

"Princess! We have to escape!"

"W-what about Father and M-mother! Izana! We can't l-leave them! My people!" I was grabbing Miss Nani's collar, my hands trembling. I didn't want to lose anyone... There's already too many deaths with a single glance I had just witnessed!

"It's okay! They're strong and could protect themselves, but I have to protect you!" I slowly nodded my head, still worrying. I filled down my fear as she took hold of my hand and ran towards the exit, but a man in a black hood, stained with blood blocked our path. I shrieked from fear, but Miss Nani slashed his chest without hesitation as he fell, blood splattering everywhere.

'Why... Why am I so useless...?!'

We ran out of the blood bathed ballroom and rushed down the glass-window hall. The moon light struck against our figures, Miss Nani's wound being more visible and grotesque. I didn't know what to do besides run with Miss Nani dragging me. I was just like a rag doll being pulled to safety without me actually doing anything...

All of a sudden, we were surrounded by around fourteen men in black hoods. I cried and panicked, not knowing how far Miss Nani can handle herself with such injury. The number of men may be too much for Miss Nani to handle with a wound.

It's the end. We will be killed for sure...!

A/N
Thank you so much for reading! Please keep supporting this story and thank you!

(Edited 7/15/18)